The Sims 2 Guide and FAQ

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1.5 Sim Skills
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Your Sims have the ability to learn different Skills as they grow older. There 
are seven SimSkills to learn. Cooking, Mechanical, Charisma, Body, Logic, 
Creativity and Cleaning.

Each SimSkill has a total of Ten points that can be earned for it. Once a Sim 
get to level ten, they can not learn any more, however they can still do the 
activities that gain the skill points. It is important to note that the higher 
the skill point you are trying to earn, the longer it takes. Therefore it can 
take the same time for one Sim to reach level 3 from Zero, as it will for one 
Sim to reach level 10 from level 9.

The SimSkills are used to claim the Career paths and reach the top job. For more
information about work and what skills are required for which jobs, check 
section 4.

In most cases there are a number of different ways that you can gain a skill 
level. These ways are covered below.

Cooking    - Cooking is one of the most basic SimSkill and although only needed
             for two career paths, every Sim should have at least 3 SimSkill 
             points here. This is so they don't burn down the house when trying
             cook. The other reason for this is that the higher the SimSkill 
             points for cooking, the more food you can cook, and the more it 
             satisfies the hunger bar.
             
             To get your Sim to learn to cook, you can get them to cook some 
             food, as this will progress there learning. As you only cook a few
             times a day, the other way to learn is to study a book. Select your
             bookshelf and select study, cooking.

Mechanical - This SimSkill is used for five different career paths, and can just
             be obtained for those career, however having a couple of skill 
             points here is a good things as you need Mechanical skills to 
             repair things around the house. This can also be done by calling a
             repairman though. 
               Note - Don't Repair Electrical Items unless you have a High
                      Mechanical Skill Rating.

             To learn mechanical skills, the best way is to study. Use the 
             bookcase to study, mechanical. You can also gain mechanical points
             by repairing this around the house.

Charisma   - This skill is used for 5 career paths and is handy to have at least
             a couple of points of for any Sim. You will find that Romance and 
             Popularity Sims want to increase their Charisma even when it is not
             used for there job, so it is best to get them a job that does 
             require Charisma. The higher your Sims charisma, the faster your 
             Sims will be able to make friends.

             To learn Charisma you will need to buy a mirror for your Sim to 
             practice at. Select the mirror and select Practice Speech/Romance.

Body       - Body is only required by 4 career paths, so it is not important to
             concentrate on unless needed. You will find that Active Sim will 
             want to work out more than Lazy Sims. Although not really needed
             apart from for careers, it is good to have a few body points as
             Sims with body points are able to resist illnesses and are able to
             win fights more easily.
               *See Section 16 Acknowledgments

             There are a number of ways to gain Body skill points. The best way
             is to buy the Gym and use that. You can also gain body points from
             using the TV or Stereo to Work Out, or you can have your Sim do 
             Yoga. Sims will also gain body skill points from swimming, which
             is also a great way to boost your Sims fun.

Logic      - Logic is the most needed skill for the career paths, and is a must
             to start work on quickly. Other than the career paths there does 
             not seem to be any other use for it though. If you have a Knowledge
             Sim you will find your Sim will want to do activities that increase
             Logic.

             To gain Logic skill points you will need to buy a chess set or 
             telescope. The chess set is good as it can be use by two Sims at 
             once and both will receive logic points, plus it is a boost to fun
             and social. You will find your Knowledge Sim will want to stargaze
             with the telescope.

Creativity - This is the only skill that you can make money off outside of the 
             career paths. This is a great skill for your stay at home Sim to 
             learn. A Sim with high creativity can paint and write novels that 
             can be sold. Creativity is also used for 5 careers so it is good 
             for every Sim to have at least a couple of points.

             The best way to gain creativity points is to paint. The good thing
             about this is that it also increase your fun and you can sell the
             picture once finished.

Cleaning   - This is the only new Sim Skill in the Sims 2 and is for only three
             career paths. Again this Skill does not seem to have any use out 
             side of the career paths.
 
             There are two ways that you can learn cleaning skill points. One 
             is to clean things around the house, like the shower and benches. 
             You can also study cleaning by selecting the bookcase and then 
             study, cleaning.